In Praise of Shadows: 9 Projects Showcasing Iconic Screen Designs

Designers continuously redefine the boundaries of architecture. From making simple, glazed connections to the outdoors to intricate tile façades hung by wire, architects continue to reimagine the relationship between interior and exterior, form and envelope. Screens play an important role in that investigation, elements that help us control environmental conditions while transforming how we experience space. Tectonic expressions intimately tied to function and tradition, screens can be found in different typologies and climates around the world.

Exploring the archetypal screen through this year’s A+Award Finalists, the following projects demonstrate how designers are beginning to critically redefine enclosures. After perusing these exciting projects, don’t forget to cast your vote here to decide the winners!

Pttep-s1 Office by OfficeAT, Thailand

Located at the entrance of Sirikit oil field, the (PTTEP) building explores petroleum production in Thailand. Programs are located between folded concrete slabs, while office areas are covered with a perforated aluminum-fin screen.

UK Pavilion Milan Expo by Wolfgang Buttress, Milan, Italy

The UK Pavilion was designed for the 2015 Milan Expo and quickly gained recognition for its dynamic “Hive” sculpture. Created to bring awareness to the plight of the honeybee, the pavilion was formed as a 46-foot cuboid aluminum lattice that glowed and hummed.

The Forum by Studio 804, Lawrence, Kan., United States

The first addition to the University of Kansas’ School of Architecture since 1907, The Forum was actually designed and built by the school’s students and faculty. Providing an auditorium space and central common area, the project includes an integrated wood screen that runs along the perimeter of the project’s envelope.

Edificio Departamento de Física, Universidad de Tarapacá by MARSINO Arquitectura, Arica, Chile

Designed as a physics building, this unique project opens up to its surroundings and the climate of Arica. Conceptualized as a textile mesh, the exterior envelope features a delicate screen that helps provide shade while mitigating dust.

Cultural Center Stjørdal by Reiulf Ramstad Architects, Nord-Trondelag, Norway

Conceived as an important community hub, this cultural center combines education, performance, religious and administrative space all within one envelope. Utilizing a series of delicate dark screens, the project’s shell contrasts with its warmer wooden interiors.

May / September Hospital Parking Structure Façade by Urbana / Rob Ley, Indianapolis, Ind., United States

Designed as a parking garage for the Eskenazi Hospital, this project challenged the formal understanding of this typology by integrating a dynamic façade element. Centering on the concept of camouflage, the screen uses a kinetic field of 7,000 angled metal panels that were made with different colors.

OneOcean Marina Port Vellby SCOB Architecture & Landscape, Barcelona, Spain

Extending the existing facilities of Barcelona’s Port Vell Marina, this project was designed as two buildings along the quayside. Integrating landscape and public space, the project features a number of screens and formal moves that embrace the nature of the harbor and surrounding vessels.

City View Garage, Miami Design District by IwamotoScott Architecture, Miami, Fla., United States

Formed as an expressive façade design, this Miami garage incorporates a digitally-fabricated metal screen that was made with folded aluminum modules. Serving as a billboard for the surrounding Design District, the design is suspended from a series of cantilevered fins.

© RCR Arquitectes, Coussée & Goris architecten

Crematorium Hofheide by RCR Arquitectes, Holsbeek, Belgium

Created within a Flemish landscape and swampy basin, this crematorium was designed as a building that framed its surroundings while creating a walking path through it. Made with two cemeteries, the project includes functional programs that are organized at different levels throughout the structure.

Now it’s over to you: vote for your favorites in the 2016 A+Awards here!

Author: Eric Baldwin

Based in New York City, Eric was trained in both architecture and communications. As Director of Communications at Sasaki, he has a background spanning media, academia, and practice. He's deeply committed to trying as many restaurants as possible in NYC.